Jhalawar, Rajasthan – In a move that has sparked both public attention and criticism, authorities in Rajasthan's Jhalawar district began urgent road construction and beautification works just days before Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma's scheduled visit. The action came shortly after a tragic incident involving a school building collapse, which raised serious questions about the state of infrastructure and government priorities.
Urgent Repairs Triggered by Tragedy
On July 21, 2025, a government upper primary school building in Khera village, Khanpur Tehsil, partially collapsed due to heavy rainfall. While no student casualties were reported because the incident happened on a weekend, the collapse highlighted the poor condition of public infrastructure in the region.
Villagers expressed anger over years of neglect, mentioning pothole-filled roads, leaking school roofs, and incomplete sanitation. Just days later, as news of the CM’s visit spread, overnight roadworks began, raising suspicions among locals and opposition parties.
CM Visit Spurs Sudden Development
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, on a tour to inspect rural infrastructure and schools, announced his visit to Jhalawar following the collapse. Almost immediately, PWD teams and contractors arrived in Khera village and nearby areas.
Bulldozers, road rollers, and workers labored non-stop to resurface broken roads that had been neglected for years. Water sprinklers and lighting systems were also quickly installed along the village roads. Locals noticed the suspicious timing of this flurry of activity.
Locals React: “We Were Invisible Until Now”
“This road has had potholes for over three years,” said Manoj Verma, a Khera resident. “But suddenly, they noticed us because the Chief Minister is coming? What about when our children walked through the mud to school?”
The villagers shared their disappointment over the reactive response. On social media, hashtags like #CMVisitCleanup and #JhalawarNeglect gained traction, reflecting regional frustration.
Political Opposition Questions Priorities
The Congress party and local leaders criticized the state government. Congress MLA Ramesh Meena stated, “The BJP-led government cares more about appearances. Where was this urgency when the school was falling down? Is painting roads more important than our children’s lives?”
He demanded a judicial investigation into the condition of schools, especially in flood-prone rural regions of Rajasthan.
Government Defends Action
Jhalawar District Collector Ravi Shankar Meena responded, “The road repairs were already planned, but we accelerated them due to the CM’s visit. We are also conducting an audit of school buildings to ensure safety.”
He admitted the collapsed school hadn’t been renovated in over 20 years, but assured that its reconstruction has now been prioritized.
School Collapse: A Wake-Up Call?
Educational activists say this tragedy is just one example of a larger issue. As per the Rajasthan Education Department, more than 3,000 government schools need urgent repair.
NGO worker Anita Chaudhary said, “It should not take a disaster or a CM visit for action. Schools need regular maintenance and safety checks every year.”
Infrastructure Audit Now Underway
Following the collapse, the Public Works Department and School Education Department have launched a joint audit in the Jhalawar region. They are checking structural strength, drainage systems, and electrical wiring. The audit report is expected by mid-August.
The Bigger Picture: Reactive Governance?
This entire situation raises a familiar concern in Indian governance — action only after tragedy. Experts say that until problems like corruption, poor planning, and insufficient budget are addressed, such reactive governance will continue.
Is It Too Little, Too Late?
The freshly tarred roads and newly painted walls may look impressive during the Chief Minister’s visit. But the real question remains — will this momentum last? Or will it all be forgotten once the media turns its attention elsewhere?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What caused the school collapse in Jhalawar?
Heavy rainfall weakened an old school building in Khera village, leading to a partial collapse.
2. Were any students injured in the incident?
No. The collapse happened on a weekend, so no students were inside at the time.
3. Why are roads being repaired before the CM's visit?
Authorities accelerated road repairs to prepare for the Chief Minister’s inspection of the area after the collapse.
4. How long were the roads in disrepair?
Locals reported that some road stretches had been damaged and ignored for over three years.
5. Has the government responded to criticism?
Yes. Officials say the repairs were already scheduled and that a full school audit is now underway.
6. What political reactions have come up?
Opposition leaders accused the government of caring more about appearances than actual student safety.
7. How many schools in Rajasthan are structurally unsafe?
Government data shows over 3,000 schools are marked for urgent repair or complete rebuilding.
8. What steps are being taken to prevent such incidents in future?
The state is conducting audits and pushing for faster reconstruction of damaged schools.
9. Are there any plans for educational reform in rural Rajasthan?
No detailed reform plans have been declared yet, but public and political pressure is increasing.
10. What is the public sentiment regarding the sudden development?
The public feels the development is politically motivated and not driven by genuine concern.
Conclusion
The fast-paced development in Jhalawar before CM Bhajan Lal Sharma’s visit may appear efficient on the surface, but it has exposed deep-rooted issues in the system. The Khera village school collapse is a stark reminder of how delayed maintenance and government inaction can endanger lives.
Now, the people are asking: Why did it take a CM visit to fix things? And more importantly — will this change last, or vanish with the CM's convoy? Only future actions will give the answers.
Report by Toofan Express